As Raheem Sterling’s future is reportedly plunged into further doubt as he rejects another contract offer, Arsenal have been linked with a surprise move for the controversial Liverpool forward, according to the Daily Mirror.
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Liverpool transfer news
While it would be nice for Arsenal fans to feel they have a chance of landing this exciting 20-year-old, who looks like becoming a world class player based on what we’ve seen so far, this move is surely unrealistic for the Gunners, and here’s why:
1) They can’t afford his wages
With reports in the Daily Mail suggesting that Sterling is ready to reject a huge contract offer of £180,000 per week, this surely puts him out of Arsenal’s price range? The England international may be an outstanding prospect, but does not currently warrant such ridiculous money, and Arsenal are known for not paying over the odds for anyone in the transfer market.
2) He’s a troublesome presence
With all this talk of Sterling refusing to commit his future to Liverpool, one has to wonder if he’s worth the distraction he brings. The youngster may be a great player, but his reluctance to pay the Reds back for what they’ve done to aid his development suggests he may not be the best personality to have in a squad.
3) They don’t need him
Importantly for Arsenal, attacking players are clearly not what they need right now. With Alexis Sanchez their star player in the same position Sterling plays, and with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the other attacking midfield roles, it’s hard to imagine where the Liverpool man would fit in.
4) He probably wants a bigger move
No offence to Arsenal, but if Sterling is refusing to commit his future at Anfield, it seems probable that he has his sights set higher than a move to another top four chaser in Arsenal. The Daily Mirror reported back in January that Real Madrid are one of the clubs interested in Sterling and it may be that attention from such a glamorous name has turned the player’s head.
5) Liverpool won’t allow it
With Liverpool notably turning down big-money bids from Arsenal for former star player Luis Suarez, it’s clear that the club will not allow a big name to join a Premier League rival without a fight. Sterling may only have a year to go on his current contract, but the Reds would probably rather let him run down his deal than be seen as accepting an offer from the Gunners to let their top young talent leave.